Dreams, Courage, and Redemption: Heights High Brings “Les Misérables” to Life

When senior Abs Burkle received a CD by her grandfather at the age of 12 of a recording "Les Misérables" Original Broadway cast, it instantly became her favorite musical. And here she is now, as Éponine in Cast B of Heights High's musical production of "Les Misérables."

The world-renowned show, reworked to be performed by high school groups, is based on Victor Hugo's classic novel and recounts the struggle against adversity in 19th century France. Imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread, petty thief Jean Valjean is released from his 19-year term and not only becomes an honest man, but the mayor of a prosperous town and a loving adoptive father — violating his parole in the process. The relentless Inspector Javert, who makes a decent life for Valjean impossible, consequently pursues him. Only years later, after Valjean proves his mettle during a bloody student uprising and saves the life of a young man hopelessly in love with Valjean's adopted daughter, does the ex-convict finally feel fully redeemed.

Tickets are only available online and can be purchased until showtime.

In addition to being able to work on music and a show that she had know and loved for a long time, Abs has also enjoyed the challenge of taking on a serious role with Éponine, the unrequited love interest to Marius, a member of the student revolutionary group. "Both of my past roles in the musicals have been very comical and silly," she shares. "So this role being very different has been a great challenge but also great fun!" For senior Jayden Chase, Éponine is a different perspective of love from the mature air as her role of Sandra Bloom in last year's production of "Big Fish." "When it comes to Éponine," Jayden elaborates, "I can that teenage love that is so commonly misrepresented."

Playing the "extremely eccentric" antagonist that is Madame Thénardier in Cast B is something that Tasha Bell has never played in a musical before but she has been enjoying the comic relief elements that come with the role. Senior Kendall Thompson, who will play Madame Thénardier in Cast A, sees the similarities between her and her role as the Evil Queen from Heights Youth Theater's production of "The Descendants." Both are seen as characters who are meant to be comedic relief, however, it masks their actions which are pretty sinister," she shares. "Both have a sort of self-centered air about them, however I think Madame Thénardier is more shameless in her actions."

The cast has connected deeply with the musical's themes of addressing injustice, forgiveness, and working towards social justice. For senior Jett Lekudom, who is Enjolras in Cast A and will also be playing viola in the pit orchestra, the theme of morality against the law is extremely relevant not only to the story but also in the current day. It fuels the broader conflict between the French government and its people and is exemplified between "Javert, who believes no one is above the law, and Valjean, who has sought out to rectify his past crimes with good deeds."

The theme of love, even in darkness or hard times is something that senior Addison Hart, who plays Fantine in Cast A, incredibly relatable. "It is important to find others who will guide us through life," she shared. And to "persevere even in the most challenging circumstances."

The theme of poverty and the struggles that the poor and less fortunate face is something that many of the cast also connected with, especially with how prevalent it is in the current day. "Considering the state of our world now," explained Kendall, "it is so important to not only tell these struggles in order for the masses to understand, but also for them to sympathize with. It is so important to humanize everyone."

For senior Maurice Gosselin, who plays the Bishop of Digne, they personally understand that struggle but wants to remind people that "you have to keep hoping for another tomorrow, a better tomorrow."

According to VMD teacher and director, Jesse Lange, over 200 student actors from the elementary, middle and high schools, singers, instrumentalists, and stage crew members have come together to prepare for and perform in Heights High's production of this award-winning and inspiring story. "This is one of the most popular musicals of all time," he said, "and it deals with issues that are as relevant today as they were when Victor Hugo wrote the novel in 1862." The show runs for two weekends on November 1, 2, 8 and 9 at the Dina Rees Evans Performing Arts Center in Cleveland Heights High School.

The lead cast encourages the community to come and see the show and highlights the camaraderie that has deepened and the growth they have seen from each other in the midst of dance rehearsals, line work, and blocking practice. "I've definitely enjoyed being in the company of friends," Kendall said. "In fact, I think it's the best part of the prep process because I'm surrounded by so many talented people and seeing all of us be so excited to put our best work forward is inspiring."

Mr. Lange chose this Tony-Award winning musical phenomenon as a way to showcase the musical talents of all the students, but especially those of the current senior class. "Not since we came back to the high school in 2017, after the renovations, has there been an event this big," he explained. "'Les Misérables' and the Class of 2026 are here now and this is the time to show just how impressive and impactful art can be!"

Like the characters in "Les Misérables," the members of the lead cast have grown a deeper appreciation of each other and the sense of family and community that the VMD continues to build. For Kendall, it has not only taught her responsibility, but also given her and the other VMD members leeway to so many opportunities. "Supporting the arts is supporting dreams, it's supporting creativity, supporting hope," she shared. "It gives so many outlets to so many — as well as voices to the misunderstood."

"Les Misérables - School Edition," will be performed on November 1 and 8 at 7:00 p.m. and November 2 and 9 at 2:00 p.m. Cast A will perform on November 1 and 9 and Cast B will perform November 2 and 8.

"'Les Misérables' portrays real struggles throughout the characters' storylines," said Addison, "and this show will definitely bring some tears and meaningful moments to our audience."

The leads of the show: